David F Thomason

US Patent:

51334445, Jul 28, 1992

Filed:

May 18, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/525452

Inventors:

David G. Thomason - Kennesaw GA

Assignee:

Juki America, Inc. - Duluth GA

International Classification:

B65G 2500

US Classification:

1983451

Abstract:

Multiple workpieces at various stages of manufacture are simultaneously transported, aligned, and processed along the assembly line. Separate workpiece transports are provided for a corresponding number of workstations that perform manufacturing operations on the workpieces. The workpiece transports are capable of movement in the X,Y and Z coordinate directions and can provide rotation in the X-Y plane. The workpiece transports are capable of movement in the X,Y and Z coordinate directions and can provide rotation in the X-Y plane. A workpiece removal component removes a finished workpiece to a storage or stacking area. The device may be used to manufacture either all left, all right, or both left and right version of the workpiece.

US Patent:

54235022, Jun 13, 1995

Filed:

Sep 11, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/943898

Inventors:

David Thomason - Lawrenceville GA
Hideho Sasamoto - Lawrenceville GA

Assignee:

Juki America, Inc. - Suwanee GA

International Classification:

A47B 900

US Classification:

248125

Abstract:

The invention is a readily adjustable work station. The invention includes a manual or machine driven linkage for adjusting the vertical position of a work station top surface in a level manner. This linkage includes rack and gear sets associated with movable supporting columns that support the work station top surface and a rotational transfer means that ensures that rotational energy from a driving means is evenly imparted to the rack and gear sets. Alternatively, the mechanical linkage may comprise ball plunger screws rather than rack and gear sets. The invention also includes an apparatus for manually adjusting the angular orientation of the work station top surface, and an apparatus for adjusting the clearance between the stationary support structure and the movable support structure.

US Patent:

51296446, Jul 14, 1992

Filed:

May 18, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/526668

Inventors:

David G. Thomason - Kennesaw GA
Yoichi Enomoto - Duluth GA

Assignee:

Juki America, Inc. - Duluth GA

International Classification:

B65H 702

US Classification:

271227

Abstract:

A workpiece is aligned in the X, Y coordinate plane at a predetermined X, Y reference coordinate. Separate X and Y coordinate transports rapidly transport and align the workpiece. Deceleration means prevent the workpiece from slipping on the work surface. An adjustable, stationary workpiece engaging plate speeds the cycle time of the device by providing dual coordinate alignment of the workpiece. Sensors are provided to detect the presence of a workpiece properly aligned in the X, Y coordinate plane. The sensors may be either individually connected or coupled through a control means to previous and succeeding workstations in such a manner that the invention can interrupt the "fault chain" that occurs when a workpiece becomes fouled along the assembly line.